TV PRESENTER and dancing star Bill Turnbull has pledged his support for a campaign to give Bucks hospitals more freedom from the Government.

The newsreader, who also appeared on dancing show Strictly Come Dancing, signed up to a scheme to get the county's hospital service NHS Foundation Trust status.

Those who support the scheme claim it could give the service more independence to invest money and tailor hospitals to serve the Bucks community.

Mr Turnbull, a Buckinghamshire resident, said: “The NHS has made a phenomenal contribution to the health of the nation in its sixty year history, and it’s also there to pick up the pieces too.”

Mr Turnbull presented the county's NHS trust staff awards in May.

“Presenting the trust’s awards last year gave me a real insight into some of the great work taking place to benefit patients,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to being able to keep in touch with these developments and would encourage others to sign up too.”